DeGan had two surgeries in one extended procedure. His prostate, which had been bothering him, was removed.

“I had terrible prostate issues. I’m a runner and I run races. When I ran a race I had to know where the restrooms were because if there was a line, I would have to go and I might not make it,’’ he said. “I always had this urge to go and I had already just gone.’’

DeGan said the surgery was over so quickly he was confused about whether anything had been done when he awoke from anesthesia.

During a bladder removal (cystectomy), Kesowik guides surgical arms from a console while viewing the procedure on a monitor in front of him. The surgical instruments extending from the arms are moved through multiple, small incisions in the patient’s abdomen to remove the bladder.

“The benefits of robotic surgery include a shorter recovery time, less pain and less blood loss,’’ Kresowik said. “Cystectomy is a major surgery with significant morbidity risk but we are able to reduce that risk with robotic surgery.’’

Kresowik said Genesis is performing more robotic cystectomies than any hospital in Iowa.

DeGan had the surgery on a Friday and was ready to go home for additional recovery by Monday. Kresowik said an average hospital stay can be five days or longer after a cystectomy.

“By the evening of the same day I had the surgery I had very little pain. It wasn’t bothering me at all. I think everyone was amazed that I wasn’t in more pain,’’ he said. “The pain relief I had available wasn’t that strong and I didn’t even need it.

No Regrets About Robotic Approach

After the bladder is removed, a new urine collection system is necessary. DeGan says his pouch collects inconspicuously on his body and can be emptied easily.

“Considering the bladder cancer and prostate issues I was having, I’m glad I did this and would recommend it. I would also tell people not to be worried about the stoma (urine collection),’’ DeGan said.

DeGan will be 69 years old in June. He is still working and still running 3 to 5 miles every morning before going to work.

“I’m definitely a fan of the robotic surgery. It took a while to build my strength back up but six weeks after surgery I was running 3-5 miles a day again,’’ he said.

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